The Obama administration said federal workers should expect to return to work on Thursday. The White House encouraged workers to check the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's website for further guidance.

What about back pay?

The agreement passed by Congress on Wednesday provides retroactive pay to furloughed employees. "Essential" federal workers who continued their work during the shutdown were already set to receive back pay once the shutdown ended.

When will parks, museums and other federal landmarks reopen?

It may vary, but many were set to reopen on Thursday.

Q: How did this compare to past shutdowns?

At 16 days, the shutdown was the third-longest since 1976. The government closed for 21 days in 1996 and for 18 day in 1978.